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Gene Active in Skeletal Muscle Controls Mice’s Fat Metabolism

Skeletal muscle regulates how the body stores and metabolizes fats through the Krüppel-like factor 15 (KLF15) gene, establishing a molecular link between muscle health and conditions such as obesity and diabetes, according to a recent study in mice. The findings also showed that a diet rich in short-chain fatty acids…

Problems With MRP4 Gene Raises Obesity Risk, Mouse Study Suggests

Suppressing the activity of a cellular transporter called multidrug resistance protein 4 (Mrp4) results in more fat tissue, less energy expenditure, and insulin resistance, according to a study in mice. These findings suggest that lower-than-normal Mrp4 levels can increase the risk of developing metabolic diseases such as obesity and type…

Pandemic Won’t Stop Rare Disease Day on Feb. 28

Scores of virtual events are afoot around the world to mark Rare Disease Day 2021 on Feb. 28. The activities are focused on heightening awareness about rare diseases and the hundreds of millions of individuals they are thought to affect. Patients, caregivers, and advocates worldwide will sport denim ribbons…

Volunteers Sought for Large Home-based Study on Diabetes, Obesity

Scripps Research and Tempus are launching a study that uses genetic and other information to better understand what drives the development of obesity and type 2 diabetes. By understanding how and why individual blood sugar levels change in response to food, researchers hope to improve the treatment of…

Genetics, Mental Health May Be Risk Factors for Teen Eating Disorders

Genetic predisposition, mental health symptoms, personality traits, substance abuse, and high body mass index (BMI) all are early risk factors for eating disorders in adolescence, a study has determined. These findings may have clinical implications for preventing and treating disordered eating behaviors, especially among teenagers, the…

NORD’s 6th ‘State Report Card’ Notes Progress, Raises Concerns

While progress was made last year on newborn screening and other policy issues critical to rare disease patients, a “State Report Card” argues that many concerns — notably out-of-pocket costs for prescription medicines and access to affordable comprehensive care — still need attention. Those were the findings of the…

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